METHODS: Forty-eight rabbits were divided into two series. Phlebitis model induced by vincristine was established at each series. The first series had 24 rabbits, which were divided into four groups (6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours) after vincristine infusion. The grades of phlebitis through visual observation and histopathological examination were observed. The second series had also 24 rabbits. Interventions were performed 12 hours after vincristine infusion. These rabbits were randomly divided into four groups, according to treatment: Hirudoid (bid), Xianchen (daily), Xianchen (tid), Xianchen (five times a day). Four days after intervention, the venous injury through visual observation and histopathological examination were evaluated.

RESULTS: Series 1: Phlebitis appeared 12 hours after infusion of vincristine through visual observation. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between 6 hours and 24 hours, 6 hours and 18 hours through visual observation. However, the inflammation happened 6 hours after infusion, the loss of venous endothelial cells demonstrated differences among four groups through histopathological evaluation (p<0.05). There were significant differences (p<0.05) after 4 days among the intervention groups through visual observation, the effects of Xianchen group (five times a day) were better than Xianchen group (tid) (p<0.01). The treatment of edema demonstrated differences among groups through histopathological evaluation (p<0.05), Xianchen (five times a day) better relieved the degree of edema (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that inflammatory reaction of phlebitis appeared early. Xianchen can treat vincristine induced phlebitis, as well as Hirudoid. It is particularly effective in the treatment of edema, and there is a remarkable dose-response relationship.